The leaves have an oblong shap.The seeds are contained in a cotton-like envelope. Dark, maroon flowers are formed in terminal panicles. The leaves and stems are covered with soft, bristly hairs that are extremely irritating to the touch.

Very fast growing, undemanding ornamental and shade tree. Honey-sweet, showy yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies. The plant is amazing in its ability to recolonize waste. Hard to kill. Can grow as much as 6-8 ft per season. Mature trees are medium sized. If you are looking for a fast result, this shade tree is for you. The plant is amazing in its ability to recolonize waste, paper mill sludge; even uranium spoils. This is the only tree found on a 20-year old uranium spoil. Cold hardy to some freeze.